The Lone Stranger: Sweet Historical Romance (Mail Order Brides of Hickory Stick Book 5) by Carroll Patricia PacJac

Author:Carroll, Patricia PacJac [Carroll, Patricia PacJac]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: PacJac Publishing
Published: 2015-02-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Prudence put the boy in bed and threatened him with a thrashing if he so much as moved. Apparently not used to her tone of voice, Percy nodded and the look on his face told her that he just might obey this time.

“I won’t be long. You. Go. To. Sleep. I’ll keep the harmonica with me until I think you’ve earned it.”

He frowned. “Tomorrow, I’ll work hard for you. … Mama, you said my father might not be dead. Do you think he’ll come back?”

She’d hoped the questions wouldn’t come until he was much older. With a sigh, she tucked the covers around him. “Your father left us. I haven’t heard from him in over seven years. He could have died in the war.”

Percy gulped, and his chin quivered. “Did he leave because of me? Because I have bad blood?”

His words shot through her heart. “No, of course not. Where did you hear such a thing?”

In Davenport, I heard it bunches of times. Johnny Winkler said he had bad blood because his father stayed in the saloon. Said he’d have to grow up and drink. You told Mr. Fieldman that my father wasn’t a nice man. Does—”

“No. You are responsible for what you do, and you’re going to grow up to be a fine young man. I’m already proud of you. There is no such thing as bad blood.” She hoped he’d believe her.

“Mama, is Mr. Fieldman going to marry you?”

“He might.” She brushed his red hair with her fingers. “Mr. Fieldman is a very nice man. Don’t you think so?”

Percy nodded although a bit reluctantly. “Mama, will he let me live with you?”

“Oh Percy, of course. Where I go, you go. Nobody will separate us.”

He smiled. “I love you, Mama.”

She hugged and kissed him. “You sleep and dream sweet dreams. Leave the worrying to me.”

He nodded, his eyes already heavy with sleep.

She slipped out of the room, praying her son would not get up. She went to meet Herman, praying he would not give up on her.

She entered the parlor. Herman sat on the divan, his elbows on his knees and head in his hands. His sadness reached out to her. Percy had hurt him.

“Herman, I’m glad you’re here.”

He looked up. “I said I would be. You can trust me, Prudence. I will never hurt you. Or Percy.”

She sat beside him. “I can see that. You’re a good man. I would be honored to accept your arrangement. Perhaps, in time, we can grow to love one another.”

Herman took her hand in his. “Perhaps.” He looked down and then gazed into her eyes. “I don’t need love, but I do need loyalty. Can you promise me you won’t leave?”

The tenderness and warmth of his touch sparked an ember in her heart she’d thought died years ago. “I promise. Herman, I will never leave you or think of another.”

He relaxed. “I’ve seen how you work and couldn’t be more pleased. I promise to be a good father to Percy. I know that may take some time.

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